Education

A deaf boy has an amazing response to Rob Delaney’s CBeebies Bedtime Story using Makaton sign language. Mum Laura McCartney says her son Tom, who has complex medical needs, was “enthralled” to see a story told “in his language“. Six-year-old Tom waves his arms and stands up in his chair in excitement as he watches […]

Image copyright Getty Images Almost half of NI’s schools are in budget deficit, according to new figures obtained by BBC News NI. The Education Authority (EA) has analysed the financial position of about 1,000 schools for 2018/19. Its figures show 446 schools are projected to be in the red in 2018. Out of those 446, […]

Image caption Annie says her husband abused her both physically and financially When she had her first baby, just before she turned 29, Annie had been married for eight years, managed 19 staff, and earned more than her husband. She knew he could be rude and aggressive in company but she says she had always […]

Image copyright Getty Images The amount spent on schools is a source of frequent controversy. So, where does all the money for educating the country’s children go? It’s a fact that spending on schools in England is much higher than it was 20 years ago. But that’s not the full picture in a country which […]

Image copyright Getty Images Students in England are being promised the option of “accelerated” two-year degree courses, saving 20% on tuition fees compared with a three-year course. Universities Minister Sam Gyimah has confirmed plans for universities to be able to charge higher fees for shorter, more intensive courses. It would mean paying about £5,500 less […]

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Akli Tadjer was due to meet 25 pupils from the school (file picture) A novelist whose book was rejected by French teenagers because of its Algerian theme is due to visit their school and meet them face to face. Akli Tadjer, a French writer with Algerian roots, says he […]

Image copyright Google MAPS Image caption The all-ability post-primary school has been open since 1997 An integrated school in County Down wants to use academic selection tests to admit some of its pupils. Strangford Integrated College currently admits 35% of Year 8 pupils to a “grammar stream”. They use evidence of academic ability for this, […]

Pupils at a primary school have met 1980s singer Rick Astley – and even performed a track with the singer. Students at Nottingham’s Netherfield Primary School wrote to the star after picking his hit “Never Gonna Give You Up” as their anthem. Teacher James Payne had tweeted Astley since September, with the pupils writing letters. […]

Image copyright Getty Images A students’ union officer who leaked photos showing students wearing “offensive” T-shirts says what was written on them was “hate speech”. Members of a Lancaster University sports club were pictured wearing outfits with slogans which referenced child abuse and rape. The officer says she leaked the photos because an investigation by […]

Two-year-old Thomas suffered brain damage which has left him with life-limiting disabilities. But thanks to Nottingham-based charity Footprints, he gets therapy to help him improve his mobility and communication skills. His mother Helene, from Cotgrave in Nottinghamshire, said they had to work out “how to get him stimulated and interested in things”. She said: “You […]

Image copyright evgenyatamanenko/Getty Images Parents are calling for more flexibility over when summer-born children can start primary school in Wales. Campaigners say they should be allowed to start reception classes later than aged four to give them time to develop and catch up with their peers. They want ministers to issue councils with stronger guidance […]

Image copyright Getty Images Early intervention to reduce the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as abuse or neglect is “fragmented and variable” across England, MPs warn. The Science and Technology Committee says more help in the formative years can help stave off mental health problems in later life. The committee is urging the […]